Balkan Birding & Heritage Tour, Part 1: 10 Days in Slovenia, Croatia & Bosnia
Private 10-day birding & heritage tour, Ljubljana to Sarajevo: Lake Cerknica, Neretva Delta, Hutovo Blato, Bled, Plitvice, Dubrovnik and Mostar.
- Lake Cerknica birding with a private ornithologist
- Neretva Delta wetland birding
- Hutovo Blato private boat birding
- Ljubljana city tour + Lake Bled pletna boat
- Plitvice Lakes National Park (UNESCO)
Enquire about this tour
This tour is arranged on request. Share your preferred dates and group size to receive a tailored quote.
Itinerary (Day Wise)
Your Balkan birding and heritage journey begins in Ljubljana, Slovenia’s green and charming capital. On arrival at Ljubljana Airport, meet your Balkland tour leader and transfer privately to your centrally located hotel.
Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a gentle first stroll through the Old Town: Prešeren Square, the Triple Bridge, the Ljubljanica River and the Dragon Bridge. Keep an eye on the river for grey herons, mallards and the occasional kingfisher.
In the evening, meet your tour leader for a welcome dinner at a carefully selected local restaurant.
Included
Tour Information
Read this to prepare for your tour in the best way!
- Accommodation in highly rated 4–5★ hotels (double/twin)
- Meals as listed in the tour itinerary
- Private airport transfers on arrival and departure
- Private birdwatching guides and boat trips as listed in the itinerary
- Spotting scope at selected birding sessions
- Private, air-conditioned transport throughout
- Bottled water on board during drives only
- English-speaking tour leader throughout
- Certified local guides at select sites (EN)
- Admissions/activities included as listed
Accommodation Details
Best facilities with no added cost.
| City - Country | Accommodation | Check In - Check Out |
|---|---|---|
| Ljubljana – Slovenia | Best Western Premier Hotel Slon (/or similar) | Day 1 – Day 3 |
| Zagreb – Croatia | Amadria Park Hotel Capital (/or similar) | Day 3 – Day 4 |
| Split – Croatia | Hotel Amphora Split (/or similar) | Day 4 – Day 5 |
| Dubrovnik – Croatia | Valamar Lacroma Hotel (/or similar) | Day 5 – Day 7 |
| Mostar – Bosnia and Herzegovina | Hotel Eden & Spa (/or similar) | Day 7 – Day 9 |
| Sarajevo – Bosnia and Herzegovina | Hotel President Sarajevo (/or similar) | Day 9 – Day 10 |
- Best Western Premier Hotel Slon (/or similar)Ljubljana – Slovenia · Day 1 – Day 3
- Amadria Park Hotel Capital (/or similar)Zagreb – Croatia · Day 3 – Day 4
- Hotel Amphora Split (/or similar)Split – Croatia · Day 4 – Day 5
- Valamar Lacroma Hotel (/or similar)Dubrovnik – Croatia · Day 5 – Day 7
- Hotel Eden & Spa (/or similar)Mostar – Bosnia and Herzegovina · Day 7 – Day 9
- Hotel President Sarajevo (/or similar)Sarajevo – Bosnia and Herzegovina · Day 9 – Day 10
Need to Know
Things to consider before the trip!
Birding Programme & Seasons
Birding sessions are led by local ornithologists and specialist boat guides and are planned for a relaxed pace: easy walking, accessible paths, observation points and boats — no steep terrain and no wading.
Spring (April–May) brings breeding plumage and passage migrants; autumn (September–November) brings large numbers of migrating and wintering waterbirds. Species seen always depend on season, water levels and weather.
If weather or operating conditions affect a boat or birding excursion, we adjust the timing where possible or arrange the best land-based alternative and observation points.
Currency & Payments
This 10-day tour crosses three countries and uses two currencies:
- Slovenia: Euro (EUR)
- Croatia: Euro (EUR)
- Bosnia & Herzegovina: Convertible Mark (BAM / KM)
Cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and larger businesses, but carrying some local cash is recommended for markets, cafés, smaller shops, and rural stops. ATMs are available throughout the main cities and tourist areas.
Exchange rates change regularly, so check current rates shortly before departure.
Tipping
Tipping is appreciated but generally not compulsory. In restaurants and cafés, rounding up the bill or leaving around 5–10% for good service is common. Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and your tour leader are welcome and entirely at your discretion.
Electricity, Wi-Fi & Water
- Electricity: 230V, 50Hz. European Type C and F plugs are commonly used throughout the itinerary.
- Wi-Fi: Available at most hotels and widely available in cafés and restaurants.
- Water: Tap-water quality varies by destination. Your tour leader or hotel can advise locally, and bottled water is readily available throughout the journey.
Weather & Seasonal Conditions
Weather can vary considerably between the Adriatic coast, inland cities, lakes, and mountain regions. Check the forecast shortly before departure and pack layers suitable for changing temperatures and occasional rain.
Itinerary Flexibility
Travel times and daily schedules are approximate. Traffic, border crossings, weather, attraction operating hours, or local conditions may require adjustments.
When necessary, Balkland may change the timing or order of visits while preserving the overall itinerary and included experiences wherever possible.
Photos & Video
Balkland may take photographs or short videos during the tour for use on our website, social media, and promotional materials. Participation in promotional photography is optional.
If you prefer not to be photographed or filmed, simply inform your tour leader at the beginning of the journey.
Payment & Cancellation
Payment schedules, cancellation conditions, and refund policies are detailed in your booking confirmation and Balkland Terms & Conditions.
Certain services, including pre-purchased tickets, special activities, or other third-party reservations, may become non-refundable once confirmed. Your booking documents provide the final terms applicable to your tour.